Music coverage by and for people who really like music...

December 17, 2012

The L.A. Show Low Down (Or: "Well This Is One Place Where Your Gods Can't Dwell, It's Like Walking In To The Mouth Of Hell, Sweating Our Dignities Out On The Subway, At The Beginning Of Another Long Long Day...")

by Brad Roberts

In my lifetime I've witnessed a number of moments that bring everything to a complete stop. Something happens globally or nationally or personally that makes everyone freeze in mid-step and you have to sit down and take stock of where your life is now and how do we move forward. I was 13 when President Kennedy was assassinated and a lot older when 9/11 happened, but Friday was another one of those days with that same overwhelming, all-consuming impact. Emotions are running from despair to horror to rage and each news update brings a new wave of reactions.

With the impact of the slaughter in Connecticut last Friday foremost in everyone's mind, not one person with any degree on empathy is going to get through this holiday season without a heart that is heavy with a certain amount of grief. I'm not going to get political here, but some answers are so obvious that we, as human beings, should no longer continue to ignore our stupidity as a society.

The magical healing power of music was of more value than I can describe on Friday night when I decided to venture out in the cold and the rain to go to see DeVotchKa at The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (photo at left). My ticket was for the late show at 11:15, as they had quickly sold out the 7:30 show and scheduled this show for disappointed fans. Together with a 7-piece Chamber Orchestra, DeVotchKa transported another sold out house out of themselves and to another conscience and a happier place. It wasn't until near the end of the show that lead singer, Nick Urata, acknowledged the tragedy by saying how difficult a day it had been for everyone. As he passed by after the encore I reached out my hand to him and said "Thank you very much" and he stopped and shook my hand and looked me in the eyes, smiled, and said "And thank you very much". Slight as the encounter was, I felt my heart swell.

Sorry for the brevity of this week's column, but it feels false to become too enthused while feeling so deflated. Still, music can distract and comfort, so here's to some good places and shows to share with friends. By next weekend, things really slow down leading up to Christmas day on Tuesday with almost no shows for three days.